The Iconic Checker Taxi Cab is Coming Back to Life

Once a mainstay of metropolitan taxi services, the last of the retro-styled Checker taxi cabs rolled off production lines in 1982—signaling the end of a quarter century in production. Fast forward to today and it looks as though the iconic Checker will ride once again.
Based in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Checker Motor Cars has announced plans to put the venerable Checker back in production, injecting new technology into the car’s classic body. However instead of producing a four-door sedan like the popularized Marathon and A11 taxi cab models, the company has adopted two alternate configurations for the nameplate’s rebirth.
The first is a six-door, 12 passenger limousine modeled after Checker’s lengthy “Aerobus” models, while the second melds the Marathon’s looks with a rear truck bed and two-door El Camino styling.
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According to Fox News, the development of the new Checkers will be dependent on the passage of the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act, which if passed permits companies to sell up to 500 replica vehicles a year with fewer restrictions as compared to today’s mass produced vehicles.
In the announcement, Checker Motor Cars confirmed the new models will sport a conventional steel frame, flex-fuel V8 and diesel engines, disc brakes, and LED lights, along with modern conveniences such as power windows and locks, climate control, and optional all-wheel drive.
The company will also offer these parts as retrofit kits to bring original Checkers up to 21st century standards. To date, the company has provided Checker enthusiasts with an array of replacement parts and restoration services to keep these classic cars on the road.
Interested in owning a new-age Checker? The company estimates the retro-styled cars will retail for between $50,000 and $70,000 with production expected to begin in Fall 2018.
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